A diesel filter is not always enough
Water in your diesel fuel has a devastating effect on the injectors. What's more, water continually condenses in your fuel tank, so there's no way of eradicating it 100%. It often accumulates at the bottom of the tank because water is heavier than fuel. This encourages the development of micro-organisms that feed on the diesel. These bacteria create waste products that colonise the diesel circuit, clogging and corroding it.
A diesel engine doesn't like water so how do you get rid of it?
A pre-filter provides maximum protection for diesel engine components by removing impurities from the fuel (silica, sand, rust and algae) and separating the water from the diesel, which it isolates in the settling bowl. The filter in the pre-filter contains patented "Aquabloc" elements that provide 30 micron pre-filtration and 100% separation of water from diesel fuel.
What is the purpose of a prefilter?
Condensation forms in the tank; it doesn't mix with the fuel but settles at the bottom of the tank because it is heavier than petrol or diesel. As the fuel is drawn from the bottom of the tank, the water is the first thing to be sucked in.
If your 4x4 is fitted with a petrol or diesel injection engine, you will certainly damage the injection pump.
Pre-filters go a long way to avoiding these problems.
How do they work?
The water is recovered from the bottom of the bowl after centrifuging or settling at the top of the pre-filter. The water-free diesel is then filtered through a 30-micron filter before going to the injection pump and then to your vehicle's engine.
When should the sedimentor filter be replaced?
The pre-filter is fitted with a transparent bowl which means you can see the water in the bottom and empty the pre-filter. You can also see the quality of the filter cartridge.
The pre-filter is permanently installed, but the filter cartridge will need changing when it becomes clogged or full of water.
How to replace the pre-filter element?
Only the filter element at the top of the pre-filter needs replacing. To do this, unscrew the lower part of the pre-filter and take the opportunity to thoroughly clean the sedimentor bowl. Replace the filter element and replace the sedimentor bowl.
Note: Be careful not to damage the gasket when refitting, as a pinched gasket can lead to fuel leaks.
PARTS
Find the pre-filter to suit your vehicle:
Do it yourself, you'll be even prouder! To help you out, Euro4x4parts shares its know-how and expertise in mechanics through 4X4XPERT: new products, technical sheets, and personalized tutorials... You've got the keys!
And because we also learn from your experiences, your feedback is essential. Let us know your thoughts and suggestions by email: 4x4xpert@euro4x4parts.com
Check out our complete catalogue of 4x4 parts and accessories!
All the photos in our articles are taken on authorized roads or tracks, private land, or during supervised competitions. Let's all do our part to preserve the environment!
Please note: Euro4x4parts publishes this information to help its customers, but cannot be held responsible for the advice given here and their consequences when used.